I read this with a sense of dread, for while what "kevin" is dealing with is in the public space, how many others are feeling the same way and are quietly leaving the party?
Sunday's elections will determine what kind of party the membership wants;
will it be the inclusive party founded on the vision of Dr. William or will we choose leadership that signals that we want the party to look a certain way and send a message to those they don't think "belong".
Let's wait and see.
We have to figure out which of these candidates are not aligned with the snakes and support them or just boycott the entire election.
THIS IS A LIST OF "FAVORITES" FROM SY SUPPORT GROUP POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Chinua Alleyne
Paula Gopee Scoon
Roger Boynes
Terrence Beepath
Dominic Romain
Sanjiv Boodhu
Stern Barnes
Nyron Bayne
Maxine Richards
Donna Cox
ANOTHER LIST OF FAVORITES THAT WAS POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
We have to figure out which of these candidates are not aligned with the snakes and support them or just boycott the entire election.
THIS IS A LIST OF "FAVORITES" FROM SY SUPPORT GROUP POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Chinua Alleyne
Paula Gopee Scoon
Roger Boynes
Terrence Beepath
Dominic Romain
Sanjiv Boodhu
Stern Barnes
Nyron Bayne
Maxine Richards
Donna Cox
WHATSAPP POST FROM THE GROUP CALLING THEMSELVES "PNM CHANGEMAKERS 2025"
Dear Media Managers, Editors, Political Reporters,
The People's National Movement (PNM) is at a historic crossroads. The outcome of the 2025 general election was not merely a loss—it was a loud and unmistakable rejection of a leadership cabal that has suffocated innovation, undermined institutional credibility, and operated without accountability. At the heart of this decay is Foster Cummings, the General Secretary, and a small clique of enablers who have occupied high office while delivering little to nothing.
This analysis calls for the immediate resignation of Foster Cummings, Kwasi Robinson (Social Media Officer), Faris Al-Rawi (Public Relations Officer), and Laurel Lezama-Lee Sing (Education Officer). Their collective failure has compromised the Party’s structure, messaging, public perception, and organizational performance.
1. Foster Cummings: The Puppet Master of Failure
Foster Cummings is no longer a strategic asset to the PNM—he is a liability. His tenure as General Secretary has been marked by an obsession with control rather than results. Under his stewardship:
The General Council has become an echo chamber for personal agendas rather than a forum for renewal and strategy.
No visible internal review or modernization of party processes was undertaken despite losing significant ground to opposition forces.
He has rewarded incompetence and cultivated blind loyalty, not performance.
There is no evidence of party-building programs, data-driven campaign management, or structural modernization under his leadership. His failure is not passive—it is active mismanagement.
2. Kwasi Robinson: A Social Media Officer in Name Only
Modern political warfare is fought on digital battlegrounds. Unfortunately, Kwasi Robinson has not just failed—he has subverted the role of Social Media Officer:
The party's digital identity has been absorbed into his personal brand, with content posted more frequently on his private pages than official PNM platforms.
His content is inconsistent, low-quality, and lacks thematic unity or political messaging sophistication.
By anchoring party traffic to himself, he has commercialized a political office and undermined the movement's collective identity.
In stark contrast, the UNC’s digital presence was disciplined, branded, and strategic. The architects behind their campaign remain invisible to the public—as is standard in successful political operations. Globally, parties like the UK Labour Party or Democratic National Committee (DNC) employ professional, anonymous digital teams, focused on data analytics, message targeting, and real-time engagement—not self-promotion.
A Social Media Officer must be invisible, impactful, and data-driven, not public-facing and self-serving.
3. Faris Al-Rawi: The Silent PRO
As the Public Relations Officer, Faris Al-Rawi’s silence has been deafening. In the darkest days of the campaign:
Where was the PRO when misinformation swirled online?
Where was the public defense of PNM policies and values?
Where was the counter-narrative to the UNC’s aggressive messaging?
The country was left to believe the PNM had done "nothing"—not because that was the truth, but because the PRO failed to tell the story.
Instead of focusing on party communication, Al-Rawi has been seen vying for Senate appointments and factional power. His neglect of the PRO role has materially harmed the party.
Best practice: In contrast, Dr. Kirk Meighoo—despite personal and professional controversies—has been visible, sharp, and aggressive in defending the UNC’s positions, issuing statements, rebutting attacks, and controlling narrative. That is what a PRO does.
4. Laurel Lezama-Lee Sing: The Perpetual Underperformer
Her title may be Education Officer, but her actions suggest a rogue PRO. She continues to issue statements and hold press events without clarity on her mandate. There is:
No known education work plan,
No member empowerment sessions,
No structured roll-out of PNM historical teachings or voter training programs.
This is not new. In 2010, she abandoned a TT government-sponsored education program studies in the UK, only to return and secure a PNM candidacy—then lost a safe seat in Arima due to poor ground work. That failure was not just electoral—it was emblematic of entitlement without merit. Her former husband tells all and sundry he has never seen a degree certification despite years of marriage. It might also explains why, she's never been employed anywhere. The lack of basic entry education requirements.
The role of Education Officer is central to ideological regeneration, particularly in a time of crisis. Globally, political parties use this post to build intellectual capital and cadre formation—Laurel has done none of this.
The Cost of Enabling
This group has not simply failed; they have enabled a culture of mediocrity, of image without substance, and of appointments without accountability. Their common thread? All are hand-picked loyalists of Foster Cummings, who has wielded power through patronage, not performance.
The Path Forward: A Leadership Reset
To survive, the PNM must now undergo internal cleansing and leadership renewal. That begins with:
The resignation of Foster Cummings as General Secretary.
The replacement of all officers who have failed in their current roles, beginning with Kwasi Robinson, Faris Al-Rawi, and Laurel Lezama.
A professionalization of internal communications, digital operations, and political education, with clear KPIs and quarterly reports.
A return to invisible, competent, and effective party operatives, not personalities who treat the PNM as a stepping-stone to personal branding. Final Word
This is a time for courage, not compromise. The 2025 election was not just a loss of votes—it was a loss of faith. The PNM must prove it has the humility to listen, the integrity to clean house, and the will to rebuild.
If the party fails to act decisively, it will not face another five years in Opposition. It will face a generation of political irrelevance.
The time to act is now. Let the resignations begin.
Best regards,
PNM Changemakers 2025
WHOO CHILE...
KWASI'S PAW IS OUT AND SWIPING BACK AT CRITICS. HE ALSO REVEALED THAT HE WILL NOT BE SEEKING OFFICE IN THE UPCOMING INTERNALS.
The response was mixed, with some commenters expressing support, whole other voiced their disappointment in his performance as PNM Social Media Officer.
One commenter quipped "where was this fighting spirit during the elections and for the past few years".
Some folks also lamented that the attacks are from faceless, nameless people who have ambitions for seeking the office he (Robinson) holds.
Watch this space!
At its core, government refers to the body or group of people that has the authority to control and direct the affairs of a state, country, or community. It's the entity responsible for making and enforcing laws, providing public services, and maintaining order. Think of it as the machinery or the active agency that runs a political unit.
Key aspects of government include:
Governance, on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses all the processes, interactions, and structures involved in decision-making and the exercise of power within a society or organization. It's not just about the formal institutions of government but also includes the roles of other actors like civil society, the private sector, and citizens.
Key aspects of governance include:
Government is a key component of governance. While the government provides the formal structures and legal authority, governance is the overall framework within which the government operates and interacts with other actors.
Here's an analogy: Think of a car. The government is like the engine, steering wheel, and pedals – the core mechanisms that drive and control the vehicle. Governance is like the entire transportation system, including the roads, traffic laws, other drivers, and even the mechanics who maintain the car. The engine (government) operates within the rules and context of the broader transportation system (governance).
In practice:
Essentially, government is the formal, authoritative arm, while governance is the broader, more inclusive process of steering society. Effective governance ensures that the government is legitimate, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for government ministries are measurable values that reflect how effectively a ministry is achieving its goals and contributing to the overall objectives of the government. These KPIs can vary significantly depending on the specific mandate and sector of each ministry. However, some common categories and examples include:
Ministry of Environment: Levels of pollution, conservation of natural resources, adoption of sustainable practices.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Measures adherence to legal frameworks and ethical standards.
Partnerships Established:
Number and effectiveness of collaborations with other government agencies, international organizations, or non-governmental entities.
It's important to note that there are specific KPIs for each ministry and should be tailored to their unique objectives and the context of Trinidad and Tobago. Furthermore, effective use of KPIs involves not just measuring performance but also using the data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
BELOW IS A COPY OF THE FORM ONE MUST FILL OUT TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE PEOPLE'S NATIONAL MOVEMENT
It is provided here so that interested persons can understand what information is requested on the form
PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS AN ONLINE FORM, HOWEVER WE ARE NOT CERTAIN IF THE FORM IS FUNCTIONAL. SINCE WHEN YOU VISIT THE WEBSITE IT MAY GIVE A "NOT SECURE MESSAGE" - THIS MAY BE DUE TO THE SITE'S HTTPS CERTIFICATE BEING EXPIRED
As a party with over 60 years of history, we are one of the oldest and largest political organisations in the Caribbean. As a PNM member, you are part of this historic organization and entitled to have a voice and vote at the Party’s internal elections. That is something of which you can be proud!
For further information on your application, contact Balisier House, Port of Spain. Telephone; (868) 625 – 1533/1524
Membership dues are as follows:
Choose a payment method that best suits you:
STUART TO THE MAX (ZESSER CAMPAIGN ANTHEM) BounXup Mashup
Title: Stuart To The Max
Artist: To be determined
Release Date: April 2025
[TOBAGO] WE GOT THIS (BOUNXUP 2025 MASH UP)
Title: We Got This
Artist: To Be Determined
Release Date: 2020
Social Media Post By Strong Blackman
WHY THE UNC IS NOT THE RIGHT PARTY TO GOVERN AND RUN THE AFFAIRS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO!
I have been sitting on the sidelines, quietly observing the ongoing banter among supporters of the various political parties—particularly the two main ones. What has surprised me most is the absence of serious debate or sober reflection on the actual offerings of these parties, whether in their manifestos or in light of their past performance.
What follows are my own observations—drawn from the last 15 years of watching how both parties have governed, managed the economy, and positioned this country for the future.
When the UNC assumed office in 2010, annual national expenditure stood at $43 billion. By the 2012/13 budget, that figure had already risen to $50 billion, and by 2014, it reached $64 billion. This increase in spending occurred during a period of exceptionally strong petrochemical prices—particularly for methanol and ammonia—driven by global demand and favourable market conditions. That boom brought significant revenue into the Treasury and presented a golden opportunity for fiscal consolidation and strategic investment.
Yet, during this period of high income—including years when oil prices during 2013 and 2014 were among the highest on record—no deposits were made into the Heritage and Stabilization Fund. Instead, public debt grew substantially, ballooning from $70 billion in 2010 to $109 billion by the end of 2015—a $39 billion increase, despite the revenue windfall. That was not prudent fiscal management; it was, frankly, irresponsible.
Now, it’s true that with prudent management, governments can responsibly fund social programmes and provide targeted benefits. But history has shown that when entrusted with public finances, the UNC has demonstrated a troubling tendency toward overspending, poor prioritization, and weak fiscal discipline. Today, the government continues to maintain a substantial social safety net and provides wide-ranging subsidies on fuel, electricity, tertiary education, and more. Sustaining this in a responsible way requires difficult, forward-looking decisions—ones grounded in economic reality, not political ambition.
When the PNM took office in 2015, it inherited a nearly depleted Treasury and an energy sector in decline—particularly in natural gas, which had fallen from 4 billion cubic feet per day in 2014 to about 2.6 billion today. This wasn’t the result of mismanagement but of natural depletion in our gas fields. And it matters because that gas feeds our petrochemical sector—a major source of government revenue and foreign exchange. These are facts—publicly available and easily verifiable.
So when gas production declines by roughly 35%, it follows logically that government revenue and foreign exchange inflows would fall too. What has made this more difficult is that, as a country, we made few adjustments to how we live or spend. Subsidies remained largely untouched, and expectations stayed high. As a result, our foreign exchange reserves have steadily declined. Today, they stand at a level that covers roughly six months of imports. That is manageable—but should reserves fall below three months, we may be forced to turn to the IMF. And we know the weight of that burden. Countries like Jamaica, Barbados, and Grenada have faced it. It is not theoretical—it is real, and the consequences are painful.
Yet over the past decade, even under these challenging conditions—including during the COVID-19 pandemic—the public has not been asked to make dramatic sacrifices. We still enjoy significant subsidies for electricity, petrol and water, and Public servants kept their jobs. Widespread social disruption was avoided.
But let’s be clear: this stability was only possible because of deficit financing—spending more than we earned. These deficits were largely covered through borrowing and the sale of non-strategic assets. In addition, some difficult but necessary decisions were taken—one of the most significant being the closure of Petrotrin’s refinery. It was not a popular move, but it had become a major, unsustainable drain on the public purse, and allowing it to continue operating would have further jeopardized the country’s finances. Its restructuring led to the creation of Heritage Petroleum, which successfully refinanced the Petrotrin’s US$850 million bond that was due to mature in 2018 and is now comfortably servicing that debt.
Trinidad and Tobago has run budget deficits in 16 of the last 17 years. Now, running a deficit isn’t inherently bad. In difficult times, it can serve to cushion the population and preserve stability. But deficits must be supported by a realistic plan to restore balance—otherwise, the result is a vicious cycle: rising debt, inflation, austerity, and pressure on the currency.
That’s why the work done over the past decade is so important, even if it’s not always obvious. Stabilizing gas production, improving tax compliance, and laying the foundation for economic diversification are not headline-grabbing achievements, but they are the kinds of steady, necessary work required to build a more resilient future. Until diversification efforts bear fruit, the energy sector still has to carry the load.
So when I hear proposals for increased spending, reduction of corporation tax, and the elimination of property tax—all without a credible plan for replacement revenue—it’s deeply worrying. At best, it’s wishful thinking. At worst, it’s political fantasy.
If we genuinely care about protecting the vulnerable and building a future our children can be proud of, then on April 28, we must demand leadership that treats financial responsibility as a duty, not an afterthought. A country’s strength lies not in how much it promises, but in how well it protects its resources and plans ahead..
This is not the time for reckless hands at the wheel. It is a time for steady judgment, honest leadership, and disciplined planning. Your vote should be a sober decision to stay the course—not because it’s the easy road, but because it is the responsible one.
Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley sat down for a chat with Darian on i95 FM radio station
PNM ALONE (When We Voting) BOUNXUP MIX
Music video showcasing all 41 candidates for Trinidad & Tobago 2025 elections
Title: PNM ALONE (when we voting)
Singer / Songwriter: Hubert Sambury "Virtuoso"
Musical arrangement: Leslie Milliner (868) 351-8198
Release Date: April 2025
Request and Listen to this song on BounXup Central Internet Radio! https://bounxup.com/radio/
UPDATED VIDEO
ORIGINAL (DRAFT VERSION OF THE VIDEO) REMOVED
FORGING A PATH FORWARD FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAOG; WRITING THE NEW CHAPTER FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
